scholarly journals Investigating the ‘Why?’ rather than the ‘How?’: current research priorities on the influence of culture on newcomer populations’ use of public libraries

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Salzano ◽  
◽  
Hazel Hall ◽  
Gemma Webster ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Concept Mapping ◽  
Resource Use ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Library Use ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Individual Use

Introduction. Library researchers are often concerned with the factors that affect individual use of public library resources. To date, culture as a determinant of public library use has not been fully explored across all public library populations. Method. As preparation for a larger study, a literature review on the information behaviours, and the use of public library resources, by newcomer populations was completed. This output was based on a literature search on commercial databases and Google Scholar. Thematic concept mapping surfaced relevant seams of extant literature of interest to the broader study. Results. Much of the literature cites socio-cultural/cultural factors as important influences on resource use in public libraries. However, few articulate these factors in detail, nor define their relationship to information behaviour and use. In addition, consideration of newcomer populations is often absent in these analyses. Conclusion. There is a case for further investigation on the influence of culture on newcomer populations’ use of public libraries. It is anticipated that improved understanding in this domain will help determine improved public library provision for newcomer populations.

scholarly journals The relationship between culture and public library use: non-Western students in Scotland

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Salzano ◽  
◽  
Hazel Hall ◽  
Gemma Webster ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Cultural Backgrounds ◽  
Western Countries ◽  
Library Research ◽  
Library Use ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
New Community

Introduction: Individuals’ cultural backgrounds influence their use of societal resources, including those offered in public libraries. Well-established in library research are explorations of the benefits of public library use to new-comer communities, including migrant workers, immigrants, forced migrants, and international students. However, to date no research has been completed on why these communities use particular resources. Methods: The project outlined in this poster concerns international students from non-Western countries in Scotland. Using a mixed methods approach, the study presented will explore why international students from non-Western countries use specific public library resources, and the cultural factors that influence this use. Analyses: Findings will derive from thematic analysis of participant responses in interview and questionnaire data. Conclusion: An understanding of the perceived value of certain resources can assist in the effective tailoring of resources to serve new community members.

The relationships between the expenditures and resources of public libraries and children’s and young adults’ use: An exploratory analysis of Institute of Museum and Library Services public library statistics data

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 307-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soohyung Joo ◽  
Maria Cahill
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Library Use ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Library Program ◽  
Children And Young Adults ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Material Circulation

Children’s librarians have long recognized the value of libraries for the development of children and adolescents and have championed for appropriate funding to support programs and services targeted to children, adolescents, and families. Using data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services National Public Library Survey, this study examined the relationships between the expenditures and resources of public libraries and children’s and young adults’ use. Three groups of variables were chosen from the dataset to represent expenditures, resources, and children’s and young adults’ library use respectively. Correlation analysis results reveal that most of the expenditures and resources variables were significantly correlated with children’s and young adults’ library use in libraries of all sizes. Further, analyses of material circulation and program attendance rates reveal that children’s materials account for more than one-third of total library material circulations and 70% of public library program participants attend programs designed for children. The findings of this study provide empirical evidence to support the investment in library resources and services for children and young adults and are discussed in light of expansion of library services and programming focused on informal learning.

A study on the factors of public library use by residents

2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 1110-1125
Author(s):  
Younghee Noh ◽  
Rosa Chang
Keyword(s):  
Interior Design ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Social Changes ◽  
Social Environments ◽  
Design Factor ◽  
Practical Operation ◽  
Library Use ◽  
Specific Factors

This study selected various factors that may influence the satisfaction and use of public libraries through reflecting social changes led by the fourth industrial revolution, in an effort to differentiate the study from related studies conducted previously. In addition, this study examined the specific factors of material, facility, location and place, staff, programs and services that affect the satisfaction and use of public libraries by residents. Results show that accessibility and possession factors of material and interior design factor of facility, space for reading and user convenience factors of location and space, reliability and active attitude factors of staff and diversity, operation hours and promotion factors of programs and services have significant influence over the satisfaction and use of public libraries by residents. The results of this study are useful in providing fundamental data for attracting residents to libraries and improving the rate of utilization by providing library services based on the rapidly changing social environments and users’ demands for the practical operation of libraries.

scholarly journals UK public library roles and value: A focus group analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leo Appleton ◽  
Hazel Hall ◽  
Alistair S. Duff ◽  
Robert Raeside
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Library Use ◽  
Focus Group Data ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Epistemic Role

Findings from a study of the advantages and disadvantages accrued by individuals from their public library use, and the impact of this on citizenship at individual and community levels, are presented. The analysis of longitudinal focus group data collected on two occasions at eight UK locations at a time of a so-called ‘public library crisis’ demonstrates a strong sense of the epistemic role of public libraries, and their conception as safe, welcoming, community-owned spaces. Links between public library use and the development of citizenship are less easily identified. However, the evidence shows that public library use facilitates participation in society, and provides resources to allow individuals and communities to fulfil their societal obligations.

Public Libraries

2018 ◽  
pp. 1040-1070
Author(s):  
Laura Karbach
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Parental Involvement ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
The United States ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Spanish Speaking ◽  
Library Use ◽  
Master Thesis ◽  
The Impact

The author, as part of a Master Thesis study, analyzes the impact public library services and programs have in the lives of local Mexican mothers with children attending school in the United States and provides suggestions on ways to improve outreach of services and support. Results related to library use, parental involvement, service and programs, challenges including funding, Spanish-speaking staff, pre-conceived ideas, and awareness issues, as well as the largest issue of outreach are all discussed. In addition, outreach solutions are offered and the overall benefits of the study are assessed.

Opportunities for Academic and Research Libraries and Wikipedia

2017 ◽  
pp. 65-80
Author(s):  
Andrey Zemskov
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Student Writing ◽  
Online Publishing ◽  
Writing Assignments ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Areas Of Interest ◽  
Free Flow Of Information

Wikipedia supplements library resources with timely, useful information; acts as a tool for librarians answering reference questions; provides a pathway to primary and secondary sources and citations. Wikipedia helps library clients perform research; and provides a vital platform for recording local knowledge. Public libraries can expose both their staff and patrons to more complex and sophisticated strategies for dealing with the changing digital landscape. Wikipedia has the potential to point clients to libraries, where resources in their areas of interest can be found. Wikipedia-library engagement connects Wikipedia with the important role libraries play in bridging inequalities in access to information. Active collaborations between Wikipedia editors and academic and research libraries to advance the free flow of information which supporting sustainable development around the world. These collaborative opportunities offer a range of outcomes that could benefit academic and research libraries including crowdsourcing, community engagement, rapid models for online publishing, student writing assignments, etc. For the Russian National Public Library for Science and Technology both projects are equally of interest. (http://2016.ifla.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/08/112-IFLAWikipediaAcademicandResearchLibrariesDiscussioDRAFT.pdf)

Latvian public libraries as a resource, cooperation partner and initiator for promoting media literacy and civic participation in local communities

2021 ◽  
pp. 096100062110367
Author(s):  
Kristine Kine ◽  
Agnese Davidsone
Keyword(s):  
Media Literacy ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Civic Participation ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Library Resources

The aim of this study is to explore the involvement of public library librarians in improving media literacy and promoting civic participation in Latvia. Within the framework of this research, 15 semi-structured interviews with librarians of public libraries were conducted. The main findings indicate that librarians can strengthen information consumption skills by providing lifelong learning opportunities for all members of society. However, several problematic aspects emerge, among them are the lack of methodological materials specifically for library use, difficulty in reaching audiences who need media literacy training and insufficient media literacy skills among librarians themselves. The librarians in the study stated that more up-to-date knowledge of media literacy is required, as technological developments have changed the criteria by which we evaluate information. Libraries also engage in building civil competence, mainly by facilitating different forms of civic participation and ensuring equal access to infrastructure and library resources. Librarians themselves consider libraries to promote local community awareness and strengthen its identity, thus perpetuating a democratic society. Libraries also promote a sense of responsibility towards the community in members of society by organizing events and organizing volunteer work. Therefore, there is the need for public libraries to become more visible in the local communities as promoters of civic participation, engage more in the communities’ life. This requires librarians to take a more active role, and their participation in community events and partnership building. Librarians’ own media literacy and pedagogical skills need to be continuously improved.

User Perception about the Services in the Central Library of Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu: An Analytical Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 76-80
Author(s):  
N. Sundareswaran ◽  
E. S. Kavitha
Keyword(s):  
Information Search ◽  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Social Institution ◽  
Search Pattern ◽  
Library Services ◽  
User Perception ◽  
The People ◽  
Library Resources

Public libraries are called the social institution that of the people by the people and for the people and it is always called ‘People’s University’ too as it provides education to all and to improve Information literacy, empowerment, and cultural heritage. This study has made an attempt to examine the current trends of user perception in terms of library services and availability of resources in public libraries in one of the western Tamil Nadu State particularly Tiruppur District Central Public Library. This study highlighted the various elements such as the gender and age wise distribution, Marital status and Educational qualifications, Occupation, and Membership, Residence, Availability of library resources, Frequency of Library visit, and Time spent in Library, Purpose of visiting the Library, Information search pattern, Level of satisfaction in terms of library services and resources were discussed. A total number of 200 questionnaires were distributed to the respondents who are actively participated at Tiruppur district public library. Out of 200 samples, we received only 177 dully filled questionnaires were returned. Further, all the valued data tabulated and interpreted with relevant statistical tools for better results.

Role of Public Libraries in Building Knowledge Society

2020 ◽  
pp. 267-283
Author(s):  
N. Nageswari ◽  
R. Natarajan
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Knowledge Society ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Social Institution ◽  
The Public ◽  
The People ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Gender Status ◽  
Library Resources

The library is a social institution. Libraries form a vital part of the world's social and educational system. They are entrusted with the responsibility of carrying knowledge to the doors of those who require it, so that it can be fruitfully utilized both by the educated and the uneducated. Knowledge is available through books, films, recordings, and other media. People in all walks of life use library resources for their day-to-day life. A public library is a social organization, supported by public funds, which provides for self-education, free information on social, economic, cultural, and recreational needs of all members of rural and urban classes of the society. It serves the public without any discrimination of caste, creed, age or gender, status, and educational attainments. It is, therefore, described as ‘People's University'. It is a democratic institution of the people, by the people, and for the people. The study reveals that the majority of the respondents, 73 (11.62%) belonging to the age group of 56-65 years visited the library to read Tamil newspapers.

Public Libraries

2016 ◽  
pp. 153-182
Author(s):  
Laura Karbach
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Parental Involvement ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
The United States ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Spanish Speaking ◽  
Library Use ◽  
Master Thesis ◽  
The Impact

The author, as part of a Master Thesis study, analyzes the impact public library services and programs have in the lives of local Mexican mothers with children attending school in the United States and provides suggestions on ways to improve outreach of services and support. Results related to library use, parental involvement, service and programs, challenges including funding, Spanish-speaking staff, pre-conceived ideas, and awareness issues, as well as the largest issue of outreach are all discussed. In addition, outreach solutions are offered and the overall benefits of the study are assessed.

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